The debate surrounding wind farms off the Massachusetts coast has intensified, particularly regarding their impact on local whale populations. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed concerns, stating that these energy sources are 'driving the whales crazy.' He has vowed to halt the development of wind farms upon taking office.
Trump's comments follow a significant increase in whale strandings in the region, with six large whales reported stranded between July and December of the previous year. While Trump attributes this rise to wind farms, experts from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) argue that fishing gear entanglements, vessel strikes, and infectious diseases are the primary causes.
In 2024, WDC reported multiple whale carcasses, including those of humpback and minke whales. They emphasize the importance of basing conclusions on scientific evidence rather than political agendas. WDC Executive Director Regina Asmutis-Silvia noted that there are no wind surveys or construction activities in their response area, contradicting claims linking strandings to wind energy development.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has also assessed the impact of the Vineyard Wind project, determining that it is 'not likely to jeopardize' endangered whale populations, including the North Atlantic right whale. However, they acknowledge that some construction activities could still pose risks.